How Does An Online Reputation Work?

What is online reputation and how does it matter to you? The Internet is a huge collection of information. Everything you do and say online leaves an impact and effects how people perceive you as a person and professional. In fact, 48% of HR professionals and recruiters prefer to browse through personal websites to decide whether to hire a person or not. Consumers basically do the same thing. Meaning, if you are trying to sell yourself as a brand or sell your product, posting too much negativity online about yourself or others can keep you from doing so. Keep in mind that as an artist or business of any kind using the Internet as a tool to gain exposure, you are being watched.

How Search Engines Effect Your Reputation

Search engines catalog everything you do online, from your social media participation to press releases and blog posts. Unfortunately, the Internet has a greater reach than gossip in a small town. So, even if you don’t care what people think about you in your real life, your online activities must be managed well to protect your business as a poet, artist, musician, singer, whatever.

What Causes A Bad Reputation

There are many things that may cause your followers/fans, customers and potential customers on the Internet to develop a negative opinion of you. We have all been known to fly off the handle; act in the moment and vent off anger. But doing so continuously on a social medium such a Facebook is not very smart for business. Posting unflattering comments about your personal and professional life can have a detrimental effect on your business as a poet or artist. Which in turn can cause your readers to re-post or feel the need to comment or respond in a negative manner. Even if what is said is untrue, it’s hard to un-ring a bell. Another way to form a bad reputation online is when people use your photo, logo or other information to post pretending to be you. The most likely way to tarnish your reputation online is by getting a lot of negative reviews from your fan base and customers who have supported your business as an artist and who see your online activities as being too brash and unprofessional.

Managing Your Online Reputation

Just as there are people out there who are going to nitpick at what you say or do online, there are people who will appreciate that you remain true to yourself as well as to your art. Your followers/fans who are loyal will not be a problem for you. But it’s the new followers/fans and potential buyers of your product that you have to be careful of. Establish and keep a positive presence on social media sites. Check your name in search engines and social networking websites frequently and keep an eye on every detail associated with your online presence. Remember to keep personal affairs out of the eye of social media if using it as a marketing tool. And above all else, treat your followers/fans, customers and potential customers well to avoid damaging your own reputation online – which can cause negative publicity, bad word-of-mouth and loss of interest from your fan base.

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